The Traveler's Path: Finding Spiritual Growth and Inspiration Through Travel

Travel shapes our identity, from ancient spiritual journeys to the modern movement of people across the globe. In his latest book, Douglas J. Brouwer, a pastor, scholar and lifelong traveler, invites readers to reflect on the profound, transformative power of travel in all its forms.

With over 40 years of pastoral ministry in the U.S. and Europe, Doug shares personal stories from his own life, from childhood road trips to leading mission teams, study tours, and pilgrimages. Whether serving international congregations in Zürich, Switzerland, and The Hague, Netherlands, or walking solo along the Camino paths of Spain and Portugal, his journeys reveal how travel reshapes our understanding of ourselves, others, and the divine.

The Traveler's Path challenges readers to go beyond tourism and embrace the spiritual dimension of travel. Through his compelling stories, Doug sparks readers' own memories of travel, or hopes for future travel, making this an ideal choice for individual reading or small-group discussion. Doug also offers readers a free, downloadable discussion guide to help spark spirited conversations.

In these chapters, Doug explores how even the most ordinary trips can teach us humility, foster empathy, and reveal deeper truths about belonging and purpose. Part memoir, part spiritual guide, and part travelogue, this book invites readers to view travel as a sacred act, where every journey becomes an opportunity for transformation. With warmth and wisdom, Doug inspires us to move beyond our comfort zones, reminding us that the road itself can lead us home.

Whether you're planning your next adventure or reflecting on journeys past, The Traveler's Path will inspire you to embrace the sacred potential of every step you take.

Beginning with family road trips as a child, Douglas J. Brouwer has traveled throughout his life and has written, spoken and taught about the transformative power of travel. He has led mission trips, pilgrimages, and study tours to countries around the world and, in recent years, he has discovered the joys and challenges of walking solo along the various Camino paths in Spain and Portugal. Doug has been a Presbyterian pastor for 45 years, serving churches in the U.S. and Europe, including Wheaton, Illinois, Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Before his retirement, he served for five years as pastor of an international congregation in Zürich, Switzerland. He also has returned twice to Europe to serve as an interim pastor, once in Lucerne, Switzerland, and most recently in The Hague, The Netherlands. His previous books include Chasing After Wind: A Pastor's Life; Remembering the Faith: What Christians Believe; and How to Become A Multicultural Church. He is a frequent contributor to publications such as ReformedJournal.com and Englewood Review of Books. Doug received his undergraduate degree from Calvin University (formerly Calvin College) and his Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Princeton Theological Seminary. His wife and frequent travel partner, Susan DeYoung, was an attorney in private practice for most of her career. She retired as executive director of Habitat for Humanity in Broward County, Florida. Their older daughter is a Presbyterian pastor in St. Paul, Minnesota, and their younger daughter is a health economist who lives in Seattle, Washington.